1.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
2.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
3.Gradient artificial bone repair scaffold regulates skeletal system tissue repair and regeneration
Yu ZHANG ; Ruian XU ; Lei FANG ; Longfei LI ; Shuyan LIU ; Lingxue DING ; Yuexi WANG ; Ziyan GUO ; Feng TIAN ; Jiajia XUE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(4):846-855
BACKGROUND:Gradient artificial bone repair scaffolds can mimic unique anatomical features in musculoskeletal tissues,showing great potential for repairing injured musculoskeletal tissues. OBJECTIVE:To review the latest research advances in gradient artificial bone repair scaffolds for tissue engineering in the musculoskeletal system and describe their advantages and fabrication strategies. METHODS:The first author of the article searched the Web of Science and PubMed databases for articles published from 2000 to 2023 with search terms"gradient,bone regeneration,scaffold".Finally,76 papers were analyzed and summarized after the screening. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)As an important means of efficient and high-quality repair of skeletal system tissues,gradient artificial bone repair scaffolds are currently designed bionically for the natural gradient characteristics of bone tissue,bone-cartilage,and tendon-bone tissue.These scaffolds can mimic the extracellular matrix of native tissues to a certain extent in terms of structure and composition,thus promoting cell adhesion,migration,proliferation,differentiation,and regenerative recovery of damaged tissues to their native state.(2)Advanced manufacturing technology provides more possibilities for gradient artificial bone repair scaffold preparation:Gradient electrospun fiber scaffolds constructed by spatially differentiated fiber arrangement and loading of biologically active substances have been developed;gradient 3D printed scaffolds fabricated by layered stacking,graded porosity,and bio-3D printing technology;gradient hydrogel scaffolds fabricated by in-situ layered injections,simple layer-by-layer stacking,and freeze-drying method;and in addition,there are also scaffolds made by other modalities or multi-method coupling.These scaffolds have demonstrated good biocompatibility in vitro experiments,were able to accelerate tissue regeneration in small animal tests,and were observed to have significantly improved histological structure.(3)The currently developed gradient artificial bone repair scaffolds have problems such as mismatch of gradient scales,unclear material-tissue interactions,and side effects caused by degradation products,which need to be further optimized by combining the strengths of related disciplines and clinical needs in the future.
4.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis
Jian LIU ; Hongchun ZHANG ; Chengxiang WANG ; Hongsheng CUI ; Xia CUI ; Shunan ZHANG ; Daowen YANG ; Cuiling FENG ; Yubo GUO ; Zengtao SUN ; Huiyong ZHANG ; Guangxi LI ; Qing MIAO ; Sumei WANG ; Liqing SHI ; Hongjun YANG ; Ting LIU ; Fangbo ZHANG ; Sheng CHEN ; Wei CHEN ; Hai WANG ; Lin LIN ; Nini QU ; Lei WU ; Dengshan WU ; Yafeng LIU ; Wenyan ZHANG ; Yueying ZHANG ; Yongfen FAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):182-188
The Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis (GS/CACM 337-2023) was released by the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 13th, 2023. This expert consensus was developed by experts in methodology, pharmacy, and Chinese medicine in strict accordance with the development requirements of the China Association of Chinese Medicine (CACM) and based on the latest medical evidence and the clinical medication experience of well-known experts in the fields of respiratory medicine (pulmonary diseases) and pediatrics. This expert consensus defines the application of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid in the treatment of cough and excessive sputum caused by phlegm-heat obstructing lung, acute bronchitis, and acute attack of chronic bronchitis from the aspects of applicable populations, efficacy evaluation, usage, dosage, drug combination, and safety. It is expected to guide the rational drug use in medical and health institutions, give full play to the unique value of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid, and vigorously promote the inheritance and innovation of Chinese patent medicines.
5.Comprehensive evaluation of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules using combined biological testing and imaging assessment in 1 017 patients: A retrospective cohort study
Lei ZHANG ; Zihao LI ; Nan LI ; Jun CHENG ; Feng ZHANG ; Pinghui XIA ; Wang LÜ ; ; Jian HU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):60-66
Objective By combining biological detection and imaging evaluation, a clinical prediction model is constructed based on a large cohort to improve the accuracy of distinguishing between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of the 32 627 patients with pulmonary nodules who underwent chest CT and testing for 7 types of lung cancer-related serum autoantibodies (7-AABs) at our hospital from January 2020 to April 2024. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to screen independent risk factors for benign and malignant pulmonary nodules, based on which a nomogram model was established. The performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results A total of 1 017 patients with pulmonary nodules were included in the study. The training set consisted of 712 patients, including 291 males and 421 females, with a mean age of (58±12) years. The validation set included 305 patients, comprising 129 males and 176 females, with a mean age of (58±13) years. Univariate ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of CT and 7-AABs testing achieved the highest area under the curve (AUC) value (0.794), surpassing the diagnostic efficacy of CT alone (AUC=0.667) or 7-AABs alone (AUC=0.514). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that radiological nodule diameter, nodule nature, and CT combined with 7-AABs detection were independent predictors, which were used to construct a nomogram prediction model. The AUC values for this model were 0.826 and 0.862 in the training and validation sets, respectively, demonstrating excellent performance in DCA. Conclusion The combination of 7-AABs with CT significantly enhances the accuracy of distinguishing between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules. The developed predictive model provides strong support for clinical decision-making and contributes to achieving precise diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary nodules.
6.Mechanism of Gushining Granules in Attenuating Dexamethasone-induced Apoptosis of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Activating PI3K/Akt/Bad Signalling Pathway
Chengyu CHU ; Lei ZHU ; Long LIANG ; Feng WANG ; Xuejian YU ; Wenwu LIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):115-122
ObjectiveTo establish steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SANFH) cell model by using dexamethasone (DEX)-induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and demonstrate that Gushing Granules (GSNs) exert an improving effect by activating the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/B-lymphoma-2 gene related promoter (PI3K/Akt/Bad) signalling pathway. MethodsFirstly, SD rats were orally administered with drugs at a dose of 0.9 g·kg-1 to prepare GSN-containing serum, and CCK-8 screening was used to determine the optimal dosage and duration of action. Then, BMSCs were cultured and treated with 1×10-6 mol·L-1 DEX, 10% GSN-containing serum, and inhibitor LY294002 of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway for 24 hours to model and group SANFH cells. Cell viability and proliferation were detected by using CCK-8 assay kit and EdU staining kit. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis. An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay kit was employed to detect ALP expression. In order to detect the PI3K/Akt/Bad signalling pathway and protein and mRNA expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as apoptosis regulatory factors B-cell lymphoma-2 gene (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), osteocalcin (OCN), and Collagen Ⅰ, we used Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsThe CCK-8 assay kit determined that the optimal dosage for GSN-containing serum is 10%, and the duration of action is 48 hours. After modelling and grouping the cells in each group, the detection results showed that the SANFH model group had significantly lower cell viability, cell proliferation, and ALP expression, as well as protein and mRNA expressions of PI3K, Akt, Bad, Bcl-2, OCN, and Collagen I compared to the blank group. The nucleic acid and protein levels of the Bax index and the cell apoptosis rate detected by flow cytometry significantly increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). After treatment with GSN-containing serum, cell viability, cell proliferation, and ALP expression, as well as expressions of PI3K, Akt, Bad, Bcl-2, OCN, and Collagen Ⅰ nucleic acids and proteins were significantly increased, while the nucleic acid and protein levels of the Bax index and the cell apoptosis rate detected by flow cytometry significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the GSN drug-containing serum group, the simultaneous treatment with the inhibitor LY294002 and GSN drug-containing serum reversed the improvement effect of GSN. Specifically, the cell viability, cell proliferation, ALP expression, and the nucleic acid and protein levels of PI3K, Akt, Bad, Bcl-2, OCN, and Collagen Ⅰ were all significantly decreased, while the nucleic acid and protein levels of the Bax index and the cell apoptosis rate detected by flow cytometry were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGSNs antagonize DEX-induced apoptosis of BMSCs by activating the PI3K/Akt/Bad signalling pathway, providing a scientific theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of SANFH with GSNs.
7.Thoughts of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment and Effect Mechanism of Haoqin Qingdantang in Treating Viral Pneumonia Based on Theory of Treating Different Diseases with Same Therapy
Xin PENG ; Haotian XU ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Yihao ZHANG ; Kun YANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):209-217
The principle of treating different diseases with the same therapy is the essence of syndrome differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It means that when the same pathogenic changes or the same symptoms appear in the development of different diseases, the same principles or methods can be used for treatment. Due to the complexity and high variability of viral pathogenicity, the precise and effective treatment of different types of viral pneumonia (VP) has always been a research focus and difficulty in modern medicine. VP belongs to the category of external-contraction febrile disease, warm disease, and epidemic in TCM. Haoqin Qingdantang (HQQDD) is a representative formula for clearing heat and dispelling dampness in warm diseases, and its intervention in VP caused by various viral infections has significant effects. This study, guided by the theory of treating different diseases with the same therapy, links the related studies on using HQQDD to treat different types of VP and finds that influenza virus pneumonia (IVP), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and COVID-19 all have a common pathogenic mechanism of dampness-heat at different stages of respective diseases. When these diseases are dominated by damp-heat factors, the use of HQQDD yields remarkable therapeutic effects. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that HQQDD can inhibit virus replication, reduce fever reactions, inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators, and regulate immune balance. Moreover, the sovereign medicine in this formula has excellent antiviral activity, and the formula reflects rich scientific connotations of treating VP. According to the theory of treating different diseases with the same therapy and based on the effective treatment practice and modern pharmacological research of HQQDD for different types of VP, this paper mines the underlying TCM theory of treatment with the same therapy, explores the syndrome differentiation and treatment strategy and effect mechanism of this formula for different types of VP, and analyzes the treatment mechanism and characteristics, with the aim of providing evidence and reference for the clinical application and modern research of HQQDD.
8.Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Regulating Immune Inflammation and Microvascular Damage in Preventing Recurrence of Pneumonia During Recovery Based on Combination of Pathogenic Factors
Xin PENG ; Haotian XU ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Kun YANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):249-258
Pneumonia is an infectious disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide, and its damage to the body is not limited to the acute phase. The theory of combination of pathogenic factors emphasizes that the combination of new pathogens and residual pathogens in the body leads to the occurrence of diseases, which generalizes the causes of recurrence during pneumonia recovery. During the recovery stage of pneumonia, pathological changes such as disturbance of immune homeostasis, persistent low-grade inflammation, and microvascular damage continue to affect the body function, impair the health and quality of life of patients, and increase the risk of secondary infection. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), pneumonia is caused by deficiency, and Qi deficiency and blood stasis is the core pathogenesis in the recovery stage. At this time, the body is not full of healthy qi and still has residual pathogens, and thus it is susceptible to external pathogenic factors that lead to disease recurrence. As an important part of the TCM philosophy of treating disease before its onset, prevention of recurrence after recovery emphasizes the need for aftercare in the recovery stage to prevent disease recurrence. Based on the pathogenesis theory of combination of pathogenic factors and the pathogenesis of Qi deficiency and blood stasis, this paper discusses the effect and connotation of TCM in regulating immune inflammation and microvascular damage in preventing recurrence of pneumonia during the recovery stage, aiming to develop new ideas for effective prevention and treatment of pneumonia at this stage.
9.Urban drinking water quality in Anhui Province in 2014-2022
Yanlong XU ; Lei MA ; Xiaoliang FENG ; Zhiqiang WANG ; Xinmiao SUI ; Fei LI ; Li ZHENG ; Qinghua XU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(2):35-38
Objective To analyze the urban drinking water quality and its influencing factors in Anhui Province from 2014 to 2022, and to provide a scientific basis for water quality improvement and protection. Methods The data were collected, saved and monitored according to the Standard Test Method for Drinking Water (GB/T5750-2006) and evaluated according to the Hygienic Standard for Drinking Water (GB 5749-2006). Results A total of 20 941 samples were collected, and the overall qualified rate was 84.26%. The qualified rate of urban drinking water increased from 76.9% in 2014 to 93.3% in 2022, and the qualified rate of water quality was on the rise (χ2=544.43, P<0.01). From 2014 to 2022, the qualified rate of water quality in dry season was higher than that in wet season (χ2=35.98, P<0.001), the qualified rate of surface water was higher than that of ground water (χ2=4440.8, P<0.001), and the qualified rate of peripheral tap water was higher than that of factory water (χ2=145.1, P<0.001). Among all kinds of disinfection methods, chlorination disinfection had the highest qualified rate (χ2=1483.8, P<0.001). The qualified rate of water quality increased with the increase of the scale of water plant. Among the inspected indicators, the main unqualified indicators were chlorine dioxide (7.72%), fluoride (7.41%), free residual chlorine (3.90%), and total bacterial count (2.13%). Conclusion The passing rate of urban drinking water quality in Anhui Province is on an upward trend, and the quality of urban drinking water has improved. However, it is still important to pay attention to the problem of excessive microorganism and fluoride in water, and the quality of drinking water varies from place to place.
10.Mechanisms of Action of Dendrobium officinale Against Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Base on Its Components in Blood
Jilei ZHANG ; Lei FENG ; Yumei XU ; Heyan YAO ; Yanmei ZHANG ; Shunzhen ZHANG ; Jiao WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):168-175
ObjectiveTo investigate the preventive effect and mechanism of Dendrobium officinale (DO) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by network pharmacology and animal experiments. MethodsDO components in blood after administration were identified and analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-QE-HF-MS/MS). Network pharmacology and molecular docking methods were employed to obtain active ingredients and potential targets of DO for NAFLD control. High-fat feeds were used to replicate the NAFLD rat model. Biochemical kits were used for detecting the expression levels of blood lipids, hepatic lipids, and liver functions of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and oil red O staining were employed to observe pathological changes in rat liver, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR) assay was performed to validate potential targets obtained from the network pharmacology analysis. ResultsA total of 13 DO components were identified in blood, including berberine, dihydrosanguinarine, and oxypeucedanin. A total of 14 potential targets were screened through network pharmacology, including Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1R), involving pathways such as the advanced glycation end product (AGE)/receptor for AGE (RAGE) signaling pathway, blood lipids and atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and FoxO signaling. The results of animal experiments showed that the NAFLD rat model was successfully replicated. After the preventive treatment with DO for NAFLD rats, the indexes of blood lipids, hepatic lipids, and liver function were normalized; lipid deposition and lesions in the liver were significantly improved; the expression level of FoxO1 mRNA in the liver was significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), EGFR, and IGF-1R were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionDO has a preventive effect on NAFLD rats, and the mechanism of action may be related to the modulation of IGF1R and EGFR targets and activation of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway.


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